Jamal Fogarty, the Canberra Raiders’ seasoned halfback, has officially announced he will **not re-sign** with the club and is set to leave at the end of the 2025 season. He’s inked a **three-year deal worth roughly \$2 million** with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, starting in 2026 ([sen.com.au][1]).
Fogarty broke the news to coach Ricky Stuart in late April. Despite the Raiders offering about \$1.3 million over two years, Fogarty opted for Manly’s more lucrative package—roughly **\$700,000 per season** ([thenightly.com.au][2]). He admitted he’s “pretty gutted” at leaving Canberra, praising his strong relationships with teammates and coaches, and noting how he and his family love Canberra’s relaxed lifestyle ([sen.com.au][1]).
Fogarty also disclosed that Canberra’s management knocked back the option to renew his deal for 2026 and entered renegotiations instead. Feeling undervalued, he chose to move on—a decision he described as mutual and “a business decision” ([zerotackle.com][3]).
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, while disappointed, acknowledged Fogarty made the right choice. Feeling backed, he told media, “You’re an idiot if you don’t take it,” and supported the move ([nrl.com][4]). Meanwhile, Canberra is preparing for a younger halves setup led by Ethan Sanders and Ethan Strange next season ([nine.com.au][5]).
—
### Summary (≈200 words)
Jamal Fogarty, Canberra’s veteran halfback, has confirmed his departure at the end of 2025 to sign a **three-year, \~\$2 million** contract with **Manly Sea Eagles**, starting in 2026. Despite Canberra offering a shorter, \~\$1.3 million contract, Fogarty accepted Manly’s more substantial offer of approximately \$700K annually. He described himself as “pretty gutted” to leave but couldn’t refuse the opportunity. The Raiders declined to trigger his 2026 option and instead initiated a renegotiation, which ultimately didn’t match Manly’s deal—Fogarty calling it a “business decision” by both parties. Coach Ricky Stuart, while disappointed, praised Fogarty’s move as wise and supportive. Canberra plans to promote young halves Ethan Sanders and Ethan Strange. Fogarty, a key leader since joining in 2022, will be fondly remembered by his teammates and fans.
“
